Coronavirus has been detected in Namibia. In order to limit the spread, restrictions on movement outside the home (lockdown) have been introduced in the period March 28 – April 17 in the provinces of Erongo and Khomas, which include the capital Windhoek and the coastal cities of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, among others. Permission is required to travel between the two provinces. Restrictions are expected to extend to the entire country. A travel ban has been introduced in all countries for a period of 30 days. The country’s borders are closed to passenger traffic, including air traffic.
Safety
Most trips to Namibia are made without any special problems. Visitors are rarely exposed to violent crime, but caution must be exercised.
Recently, however, there has been a general increase in crime in the country – and this has also hit visitors. There has been an increase in the number of armed robberies. Several cases have been reported where criminals have followed tourists to the accommodation and robbed them there. The risk of being subjected to criminal acts can be reduced with simple precautions:
- Do not bring expensive valuables or large sums of money when you walk on the street. Avoid walking long after dark. One is more exposed on Sundays and public holidays.
- Always lock car doors when driving. Avoid having valuables visible in the car, both when driving and the car is parked. Do not stop if strangers tell you that you are having trouble with the car, e.g. punctured tire. Instead, drive to the nearest gas station or place with more people.
- Preferably use accommodations with guards. It is important to pay special attention when waiting for electrical gates for garage or parking spaces to open.
- Be careful when withdrawing money from an ATM – don’t let strangers help you. Credit card fraud has been on the rise.
Poor infrastructure and a large number of traffic accidents are a major safety risk. By taking simple precautions one can significantly reduce the risk. Visitors should inform themselves locally about the security situation. Power shortages may occur.
Norway is represented by an honorary consulate in the capital Windhoek. Responsible Norwegian Embassy for Namibia is the Norwegian Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
Tourists can be the victims of crime, especially in cities and suburbs. Handbag and theft of cell phones on the open street occurs. The risk of terrorist incidents in Namibia is considered low. However, landmines and criminal gangs may be a problem in the border areas against Angola in the north.
The country is exposed to severe weather that can result in major human and material damage. Long periods of drought and forest fires can occur, as well as sudden rainfall that can result in floods and floods.
There is left-hand traffic in Namibia, and the traffic picture may appear to be confusing and complex. Some vehicles have a low technical standard and may be a risk to others. Given the country’s dispersed population and long distances, car hire may be appropriate.. Not all major roads are paved. It is therefore important that the car you hire fits the roads you should drive on. When renting a car, it is recommended to enter into a contract with extended insurance. It is also important to know the distance to the next gas station and bring enough drinking water. Hiking and camping should, as a rule, be done together with a local guide.
Norwegian citizens staying for a shorter or longer period in Namibia are encouraged to register at http://www.reiseregistrering.no/. Norwegian citizens are further encouraged to have valid travel insurance.
Local emergency numbers: Police 10111, fire (061) 21 1111, City Police (061) 30 2302, Hospital Medi Clinic in Windhoek: (061) 433 1000/222 687
In crisis and emergency, Norwegians are encouraged to contact the Embassy in Pretoria by telephone Tel: +27 123 643 700 or +47 23 95 26 00. Outside the opening hours, the public can contact the UD’s 24-hour operating center on tel. +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail. mail: UDops@mfa.no
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Travelers should seek information on entry regulations to Namibia at Namibia’s nearest embassy, which for most Norwegians will be the country’s embassy in Stockholm.
Proof of yellow fever vaccine is recommended, as this may be required upon entry.
Norwegians do not need to apply for a visa in advance to visit Namibia. A visitor visa is granted upon entry for up to three months and is free of charge. Note that there must be at least one blank page for each entry or exit in your passport. The passport must also be valid for six months after departure. Visitors must also be prepared to present a valid return ticket upon entry, as well as proof that they have sufficient funds (cash and credit cards).
Only passports are accepted as valid identification documents. Remember that it is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that travel documents, such as passports, are valid.
When entering and leaving Namibia, a birth certificate with apostille is required for children under 18 years of age. If not both parents travel with the minor, the consent of the person who does not travel with the child must be shown, cf. press release from Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration. For more information on the apostille see Apostille Stamp on the document of the County Governor.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the development of the coronavirus. Feel free to follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation. For information from the Namibian authorities, see the Ministry of Health website.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
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The cleanliness of larger, international hotels and most guesthouses of a certain standard is satisfactory. The same goes for most accommodations in areas that are frequently visited by tourists.
Fountains are generally safe to drink, and bottled water is available in most stores. The standard of health services in the major cities is good and relatively modern. Malaria is widespread in the northern and northeastern parts of Namibia, and malaria medicine should be used. Contact travel clinic/doctor before departure.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health provides health professional travel advice and guidance (also on vaccines) to Norwegians when traveling abroad.
Practical information
The power supply is at 220 volts as in Norway, but you will need a local adapter. According to allcitycodes, country Code is +264. Well-developed GSM mobile network in major cities and along the main roads.
Internet domain:.na
Namibia has left-hand traffic.
A Namibian dollar is worth the equivalent of a South African rand.
The use of the major international cards is widespread and increasing. ATMs are common in major cities.
Opening hours are: Banks; 09: 00-15: 30, Saturday: 08: 30-11: 00. Shops; 09: 00-17: 00, Saturday 09: 00-13: 00. Many shops are also open on Sundays and supermarkets may have longer opening hours. Local variations occur.
Holidays: January 1, March 21 (Independence Day), Good Friday,
2nd Easter Day, May 1 (Workers Day), May 4 (Cassinga Day), Ascension Day, May 25 (Africa Day), August 26 (Heroes’ Day), December 10 (International Human Rights Day), December 25 and 26
Namibia is one hour ahead of Norway as long as it is winter time in Norway. When it is summer time, Namibia is an hour behind Norway.
Most of Namibia has desert, semi-desert or savannah climate. The rainfall is sparse on an annual basis. Most rain falls in the northeast. The hottest time is from November to March, when the temperature can be above 35 degrees. The nights in July-September can be chilly, especially in the central parts of the country. The coastal areas have some fog, and the water is cold, the latitude taken into account.
Namibia is characterized by great ethnic diversity and there can be major differences between the customs and traditions of the different population groups.
The largest African population groups are ovambo, which constitutes approx. 1 million people, followed by herero/himba (approx. 180,000), kavango (160,000), damara, nama, etc. About 65,000 have Afrikaans as their mother tongue and there is also a German-speaking minority of approx. 20,000. Most visitors to Namibia find that they come very far with English.
The driving limit for driving is 0.5.
It is common to give 10-15 percent tips on eating places.
Drug use and smuggling are prohibited and can result in severe penalties.
There are no formal laws against photography, but please note that in some cases, tourists have been arrested for taking photographs. Senate House, President’s properties, and other buildings and areas under police guard. It may be necessary to examine whether it is permissible to photograph before taking pictures.